Grace Unscripted: Recent Episodes
Grace Church of Greater Akron
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Steph Sievers! The biggest standout from Steph’s story is her perspective looking back on not only what she experienced, but the people God placed in her life to get her where she is today. Listen in as Steph shares with us how she walked through isolation, pain, and loss, and how her story ultimately led her to surrendering to a perfect Savior!
If Steph’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Bobbi Claypoole! Bobbi’s early adulthood was filled with difficult situations that ultimately led her to lean into God to redeem them! Listen in as she shares with us how God brought her through many things including heartbreak, abuse, and single motherhood to where she is today!
If Bobbi’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Allison Daugherty! Allison’s story is an incredible example of Jesus bringing healing, freedom, and the right people into someone’s life. Listen in as Allison shares how Jesus took her from her lowest point, transformed her despair into gratitude, and how she now gets to help people who find themselves in the dark places where she once was!
If Allison’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Logan Hugli! From the beginning, Logan’s life was molded by the dark and harsh realities he was born into. It continued that way until the point when he reached his lowest moment. Listen in as he shares how God has guided him through the little things that to some may look like coincidences, but to him, look like the fingerprints of a God who loves him!
If Logan’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Kayla Hromada! Kayla shares with us her experience of God meeting her in the hard and difficult moments from marriage struggles to dealing with anxiety and depression. Listen in as the idea of God being “always there” went from always being there in the background of Kayla’s life to seeing how God has continued to faithfully show up through it all.
If Kayla’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Tim Hromada! From a young age, Tim was fully invested into sports and even ended up playing college baseball. Unfortunately, when health problems threatened to take sports away, it didn’t just threaten what he loved dearly it threatened his identity too. Listen in as Tim shares with us his story of how God brought him full circle from a believer to a follower, and from a sports player to a sports ministry director!
If Tim’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Abi Jones! Abi grew up around church, but her faith didn’t become her own until later in life. From a young age, Abi experienced deeply difficult circumstances that led her to dark places. Listen in as she shares with us how Jesus was able to meet her in the dark moments and how she has found freedom and healing from her past through Jesus.
If Abi’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Jason Beck! From church hopping as a teenager to drum sets, Jason’s smile and joy shine through the microphone throughout his story. Listen in as Jason shares with us his story of faithful steps of seeking God!
If Jason’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Tia Smith! Tia dives deep into her early life and marriage and the dark and difficult moments that she and her family walked through. Listen in as she shares how God has brought healing from her past, helped her break unhealthy cycles in her family, and how she now gets to help other women walk through their difficult moments!
If Tia’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Steve Frisch! From adventures in the military to an unexpected battle with cancer, listen in as Steve reflects back on his life and shares with us exactly how Jesus has been there for him from the very beginning even when he didn’t realize it at the time!
If Steve’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Michael Kohler! Michael’s childhood was missing structure and stability. The difficulties he faced in life led him to the military and he made that his career. When he was finally finding the stability he needed, something unexpected happened which flipped his life upside down. The following years were dark but God would not let Michael go. Listen in to hear how Jesus worked through people to show Michael His love for him!
If Michael’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Kim Howdyshell! After being uprooted at a young age and experiencing relational hurt at home, Kim’s life was anything but easy. Listen in as she reflects on how that impacted her, how God met her in those places, and how He transformed not only Kim’s life but the lives of those around her as well!
If Kim’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Christine Dolan! From a trans-Atlantic love stories to an inflatables businesses, Christine’s story is one of watching God show up and be faithful time and time again from new seasons to big moves. Listen in as she shares with us all of the steps of obedience, both big and small, God walked with her through and how He led her to where she is today!
If Christine’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Paul Thompson. Paul has done so many different things in his life from bandmember to scholar and now missionary. Listen in as Paul shares his story, how he has seen God show up time and time again even through his pride, and the incredible adventure that God is taking him and his family on next!
If Paul’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“You’re always on mission wherever you are. The goal is to help Jesus be known and make sense. Wherever you are, you’re doing that.” – Stephanie Thompson
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Stephanie Thompson. Stephanie’s life has been marked by her faith and desire to be on mission since she was young. She has lived so many places and adventures already in life and there is another big one starting very soon! Listen in as she shares her story about how God has moved in her life and the adventure that He is taking her and her family on next!
If Stephanie’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The other thing I would encourage people to do is just reflect in your life. It’s easy when you’re busy to not realize the things He is doing everyday.” – Cheryl Reed
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Cheryl Reed. Cheryl grew up in the Akron area and from day one worked hard to fulfill the passions God gave her. She shares her journey through the medical field helping those in need and how God showed up along the way!
If Cheryl’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“”When you are at the end of you, God is there and He wants you and you just have to ask him.”” – Jan Robinson
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Jan Robinson. Jan grew up in the Copley area in an incredibly difficult family situation where Jesus felt hard to find. God placed the right people around her exactly when she needed them most and has been protecting and walking with her all along! Listen in as she shares her story from immense pain to feeling like “the most blessed person in the world!”
If Jan’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I just pray that when I open my mouth that God is the one who is speaking.” – Holly Bader Carroll
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Holly Bader Carroll. Holly was born and raised in the Akron area into family of believers. From trials and pain in her early 20s to experiencing the beauty of a blended family later in life, Holly’s story and the perspective she shares is absolutely incredible! Listen in as Holly looks back on her life thus far and shares how God has been working in the lives of her and her family the whole time!
If Holly’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“…what does God want me to do? What does Jesus want me to do? These things have shaped my life since having accepted Christ.” – Jeff Reed
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Jeff Reed! Jeff is a leader at Grace Church and dedicates his time to mentoring others of all ages! Jeff grew up in a unique religious background, however he did not accept Jesus until much later in life. Listen in as Jeff shares with us his story and passions and how God has been faithfully working in his life all along!
If Jeff’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“He can redeem anything. He has literally redeemed stuff that I didn’t think could be redeemed in my life.” – Ken Huth
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Ken Huth. Ken is a born and raised Akronite. Through a difficult season in his 20s spent searching for family, purpose, and truth, Ken ultimately found what he truly needed… Jesus. From professional wrestling aspirations to finding redemption, listen in as Ken shares his story and how he came face to face with Jesus when he needed him most!
If Ken’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“When all else is gone, the thought of my life is gone, what really matter is my relationship with God. that’s where my turning point was. I wanted to seek him. I wanted to find him. I wanted to run to him!” – Lisa Gnap
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the powerful story of Lisa Gnap! From growing up in a mixed church household to wrestling through religious differences when her own children started to explore their own faith, Lisa’s life was surrounded by religion from a young age. Through health scares and uncertainty, Lisa’s life is nothing short of a testament of God’s love. Listen in as she shares how Jesus worked in the her life and the life of her kids and how she began a personal relationship with Jesus later in life!
If Lisa’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have things figured out. He’s going to meet you right where are. He’s going to use you and your story and redeem any pain.” – Holly McLaughlin
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the powerful story of Holly McLaughlin. Holly grew up in a small town in a Christian household, however her life shifted massively when her family had to move away to Norton. Listen in as Holly shares the difficulties of experiencing such a big transition at a young age, the community that helped her through tremendous loss, and how Jesus has moved powerfully in her life time and time again!
If Holly’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I think, especially in the last year, the Lord has taught me so much about how to actually be faithful and have joy even when you don’t have anything that you want and that you’ve been asking for and your life is not the way that you pictured it.” – Maggie Moser
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Maggie Moser! Maggie grew up a little bit of everywhere, but always knew that that her foundation rested in Jesus! Listen in as she shares how Jesus molded her through her time away at college, her experience and perspective on singleness as a woman chasing after Jesus, and how He guided her to a career path and job that she never saw coming!
If Maggie’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The thing that I can know that Jesus is with me is because I have this unbelievable power of forgiveness now! I can forgive so easily. It’s amazing…Forgiveness is a life changer.” – Christy Macdonald
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Christy MacDonald! Christy’s early life began in a household where a relationship with God just wasn’t on the table. Add on top of that a traumatic accident at a young age, interesting family dynamics, and a rocky relationship with her earthly father, her early life was anything straightforward. Listen in as Christy recounts the moments where she began to feel God’s presence moving in her life even when she didn’t fully understand it at the time, and how her heavenly Father began to lay a foundation for a relationship with Himself by first bringing healing and forgiveness to her relationship with her earthly father.
If Christy’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The way you treat the Word of God, is the way you treat the God of the Word. So the burden I have always had is to be in the scriptures. I know in my life that I hear from God and I try to be obedient, but if I don’t hear form God, I’m off on my own tangents.” – Rick Perren
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Rick Perren. Rick grew up around church, but never saw or knew who Jesus was, that was until he was a young married man and he and his wife Peg met Jesus in pages of scripture. Rick’s story is one of a heart that is so unreservedly in pursuit of God’s own! Listen in as he shares his wisdom, his journey through scripture, and his love for Jesus and those around him!
If Rick’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“What I learned is that, if I wanted to know God, not about him but really know him, I had to move. I had to make a choice and I had to seek him. I had to run after him with abandon. I needed to seek him out and spend time with him, not just praying about me, but knowing about what his plan was for my life so I could follow his will.” – Cynthia Terry
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Cynthia Terry. From a young age Cynthia’s life was steeped in the church, but it was built around doing things for God. Through family connections and women’s retreats, God was chasing her heart down in a new way, whether she realized it or not. Listen in as Cynthia shares how God kept pursuing her heart and showing her what a life lived in pursuit of him looks like instead of a life lived doing things for him.
If Cynthia’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“It makes sense why nothing else in my life has ever satisfied me. It makes so much sense that the people I was trying to put in my life to give me purpose and meaning and joy and peace…no one can offer me that. No sport, no hobby, no substance, no haircut, literally nothing could fill that void.” – Austin Shanower
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Austin Shanower. From bowling league brawls, young love, and super powers to jumping into vocational ministry, Austin’s story has been a wild ride! Listen in as Austin walks us through the struggles he experienced growing up, the way God worked in his life through the faithfulness of the men around him, and how that ultimately has led him to what he does today!
If Austin’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“‘This is where the pathway starts where you are going to experience hard things, but I am going to be there. I am going to take you through it and you are going to be alright and you need to trust me.'” – Deb Curtis
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Deb Curtis. The only thing as dynamic as Deb’s life has been is the person God has made her to be. From growing up in a family of deep faith and pursuing an exciting career to being blessed with a large family herself and walking with them through the ups and downs of life, Deb’s life story is an example to all of what it looks like to remain deeply reliant on God through the whirlwind that is life!
If Deb’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The reason that I was able to say yes to Jesus and what He was asking from me was because I was more in tune with the Holy Spirit at that moment in my life.” – Stephen Falbo
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Stephen Falbo. From exploring abandoned buildings and looking at the world through the lens of a camera to shifting perspectives and life trajectories, Stephen’s story is an amazing example not only of God’s power to transform our lives, but the power of a heart willing surrender. Listen in as Stephen shares the powerful ways God has moved in his life and how he is now pursuing his calling into ministry!
If Stephen’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“If all of us can grasp just a little bit more about the love of Jesus, it changes our life. That’s all you need to know!” – Heidi Bogue
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Heidi Bogue. Heidi’s story is an incredible one! From being born in the U.S. into a bilingual household to quickly moving to Brazil as a child, she got a front row seat to seeing ministry playing out in front of her eyes from a young age. Listen in as we hear from Heidi all about the incredible ways God has moved in her and her family’s lives over and over again!
If Heidi’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The two years of building the life I wanted I completely ditched because I wanted to figure out who Jesus was, and it was the best decision I ever made.” “I went from saving souls physically to saving souls spiritually.” – Bryce Fast
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Bryce Fast. Bryce grew up in the Akron area was adventurous from the start, which eventually led him to join the Fire Academy. However, life quickly started throwing wrenches in the plan he had for life. Through huge loss at a young age, struggling with mental health, and chasing a life that he thought would fulfill him, Jesus put exactly the right people in his life at the exact right time.
If Bryce’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“It was so powerful to watch the actual light and truth and power of Jesus and His forgiveness in real life.” – Beth Cummins
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Beth Cummins. Listen in as Beth shares her journey from growing up in a small town, focusing on her own goals and ambitions of being a lawyer, to ultimately diving headfirst into community and finding peace in and embracing how God is moving in her life!
If Beth’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“Missions is also here as well. You can go across oceans, but there are people here who need Jesus as well.” – Maddy Shaffer
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Maddy Shaffer! Maddy grew up in a Christian family surrounded by faith, but in her teen years began to feel isolated from her friends and struggled to see God moving in her life. Listen in to hear how Maddy’s understanding of how God views her changed one Summer at camp and how that has propelled her to where she is today through missions, Bible studies, and all the highs and lows of life!
If Maddy’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I also could feel Jesus’ love and hope through the whole thing and I think it was the first time I realized that He has always been with me. When I felt alone in church, He was there. When I felt alone in my family or left out, He was there. It took 40 years for me to realize that I was never alone and He was always there for me.” – Jamie Petry
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get hear the story of Jamie Petry. Jamie grew up in a small town with an everchanging relationship with church. From giving her life to Jesus at a Newsboys concert to her journey of figuring out her identity in Jesus, Jamie shares the incredible ways that Jesus has been working in her life.
If Jamie’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I know there were people who were praying for me that I didn’t know, but they were praying for me and I felt it and God was moving through that time.” – Kristin Kauker
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get hear the story of Kristin Kauker! She shares with us how God has been moving in her story from growing up in a Christian household and having her view of faith and God tested at a young age, to working through military deployments as a family and ultimately being invited into community at a time she needed it most. Kristin’s story is one that over and over again displays God working through other people that He placed around her family and how she went from being invited in to now being passionate about inviting others in as well!
If Kristin’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“He has you where he wants you in this moment and His plans are so much greater than our plans.” – Jason Mitter
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get hear the story of Jason Mitter. Jason is a long time attender of Grace Church and serves actively in several ministries across the church including editing this podcast! He walks us through his journey from growing up in church, changing careers in the middle of college, and ultimately what led him and his family to Grace Church. Listen in as Jason steps out from behind the headphones and in front of the mic!
If Jason’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I think God anoints work for everybody and it all looks different. Whether it’s pickleball, baseball, interviews, or whatever. Ministry can look a lot of different ways. I think when we don’t tell ourselves that, we put God in a box.” – Frank Amato
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Frank Amato. From growing up in a challenging environment and struggling to understand what his identity was to spending twenty years in the military and getting his Doctorate degree in his 50s, Frank’s story is an incredible example of God redeeming his past and leading him into a future where he gets to help provide other men with what he never had and help them understand Jesus’ heart for them.
If Frank’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“Little stuff like that. Just by us going to this place and introducing the gospel, loving people, and loving Jesus is opening doorways that were completely locked.” – Brendan Ebner
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Brendan Ebner. Interwoven throughout Brendan’s story are connections to both the people and building of Grace Church well before he met Jesus or called Grace his home. Listen in as Brendan explains how Jesus has worked through childhood friendships, the trials of being thrust into adulthood at a young age, and how he now finds himself praying for others to come to know Jesus in the same rooms that would have been praying for him by name only a year ago.
If Brendan’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I’m very excited. A little nervous and I have many feelings, but it’s all for God’s glory. I’m very excited to see what God has in store” – Steve LaVoie
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the fascinating story of Steve LaVoie. Steve’s life is an incredible example of looking for God’s direction in every step of life. From growing up in rural Ohio and studying religions at a young age to finding himself in the mountains of Kenya, buckle up as Steve walks us through how God has been moving through his life and how he has been pursuing the missions field.
If Steve’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“Its funny when you say ‘yes’ to God…He always equips. He puts people around you that are prayer warriors, puts people around you that are good at leading the conversations and being connectors and leading to the next thing, and people who are strong in the Word and can connect what you’re saying back to scripture. He never leaves us by ourselves.” – Wendy Gnap
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Wendy Gnap. Wendy is a recent addition to the Grace Church staff and is passionate about helping other women figure out what God is calling them to do and help them say ‘yes’ to what God has for them. Listen in as Wendy shares how Jesus moved in her story and how she now gets to use her story to help other women understand that they are not alone and how much Jesus loves them.
If Wendy’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I choose Him every single day and it’s my most favorite thing in the entire world because of all the uncertainty, all of the fear, and all of the times friends let you down…man, when you have Jesus who can be against you?” – Julie Starr
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Julie Starr. Julie grew up in a small town in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and from a young age her artistic and adventurous spirit shined. Even though she grew up going to church, Julie didn’t give her life to Jesus until her 30s and it was a wild road to get there. Through the loss, trials, and difficulties in her life, Jesus showed up!
If Julie’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“The faith that you have and the mustard seed that you plant today will bear fruit tomorrow, it will. You may not ever know it, but it will happen in some way, shape, or form.” – Paul Starr
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the awesome story of Paul Star. Paul grew up locally in the Stow area in a family deeply rooted in the church. In early adulthood, he spent time in the military and ultimately walked away from his faith. As God started pulling Paul and his family back to Himself years later, Paul proceeded with caution just looking to find a reason to walk away again, but ultimately found purpose and fulfillment in a relationship with God.
If Paul’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“Okay God, if this is it, I’m going to kind of test you. Typically that’s not a smart idea you know. I said, ‘okay God, if this is really of you, then you’re going to make something happen.’ I didn’t put out resumes. I didn’t do any of that stuff, but I’m going to consistently pray.” – Rich Davies
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the story of Pastor Rich Davies. Rich became the Site Pastor at the Bath Campus’ Montrose Location at the beginning of 2024. From California roots and career plans other than ministry to moving states away just before the covid pandemic, Rich’s story is an incredible of example of God working in someone’s life and leading them into a future they never thought would happen and impacting other’s lives in ways they never saw coming.
If Rich’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“It didn’t fix my depression. I still had that, but I’m no longer going to bed asking if I could not wake up in the morning. I’m going to bed saying, ‘God, I don’t know why you have me in this right now, but I know you’ve gotten me through this far and we’re going to do this again tomorrow.”
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Ben Troyer. Through growing up church hopping and having his faith shaken at a young age to struggling with mental health, Ben’s story is one of many ups and downs. However, the consistent thread throughout it all is God working through those around him and redeeming the situations and struggles that seemed the hardest all while leading Ben into a life that he never saw coming.”
If Ben’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“We’re all holding onto something and that is something that we can’t bring into heaven with us. It’s keeping us from going all in for Jesus…” – Naomi Bogue
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Naomi Bogue. From growing up in a large family and experiencing difficult losses at a young age, to the lacrosse and mission fields, Naomi’s story is an incredible representation of how God works in our hearts and stories even as we grow and begin to tell other people about Him. Even when our life’s path is unclear or changes, He is still moving.
If Naomi’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“…His plans are always good. It’s scary to surrender because it’s unknown, but that’s faith and trust and knowing that His plans are going to be good.” – Leah Bender
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the touching story of Leah Bender. Leah got to experience the love and faithfulness of God in an incredibly real and tangible way. Through the struggle of infertility and walking through the trials alone, Leah learned both the freedom that comes from surrendering the plan for her life to God and the need to walk through life’s trials with Him.
If Leah’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“He doesn’t want you to come when your perfect…He loves you even when you are at your worst, when you are at your lowest. When you feel like you’re so broken and no one can love you, He does, and He always will.” – Devin Thompson
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the wild and incredible story of Devin Thompson! From a hectic childhood and studying with Jehovah’s witnesses to Marine bootcamp, Devin’s story is an amazing example of Jesus chasing you down no matter what your life has looked like and how He invites us into the mission of helping make Jesus make sense to others as soon as we give our lives to Him.
If Devin’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“One day no matter what I will be cancer-free, I know this. Cancer does not get to end my story. It may end this earthly life, but it doesn’t win. There’s no scenario in which that happens and I’m good with that, I am very very good with that.” – Jody Shumway On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we hear about Jody’s battle with cancer and how she is using the time God has given her to glorify Him. God has put people in place to support her, but He has also put people in her path so she can talk to them about Jesus. When her cancer returned, she was “devastated, but not angry” and she prayed “God here I am, send me.” She prays every day that God will take away her cancer because she loves her family and would like to spend more time with them, but she trusts God’s plan. Jody wants everyone to know about Jesus and to have her story to be used for that purpose. Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage.” Jody has that boldness and courage.
Check out the special video episode here: https://buff.ly/46uXqJh
If Jody’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org!
We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://buff.ly/4c8kLD7
“Why would God create such a beautiful child for her to be harmed so early in her life and be so misunderstood? But now, I can see that I had to get to a place where I also had to be prepared, that I had to trust God and completely surrender to him.” – Jen Dougall
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Jen Dougall and her family. Jen shares with us the darkest moments of pain and the most beautiful moments of God’s love and grace. Whether it be through the pre-existing communities around them, or the most unexpected people being brought into their lives, Jen and her family’s lives are amazing examples of faith and God’s power!
If Jen’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“There is not one thing that I went through that He did not use for His good.” – Denise Stryker
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the amazing story of Denise Stryker. Denise’s story is a tremendous example of how across life we will take hits and there will be pain and hurt, but there is not a single moment or wound that God cannot redeem and use for good.
If Denise’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“He has done amazing things, given me grace again, and favored me. I didn’t think that I could measure up to those things you know in a lot of ways because I know my beginnings and what my future was supposed to be…He used me to serve and be served at the same time.” – Nardos Street
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Nardos Street. Nardos’ life has been amazing journey from growing up in Ethiopia and having set paths forward in life, to God opening a door at the right time choosing to faithfully follow Him. Through heartbreak, struggle, and life change, Nardos’ journey is a clear example of how God walks alongside us, directs our steps, shows mercy when we need it, and gives direction when we are lost.
If Nardos’ story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“All of a sudden, I’m back in Ohio and I was thirty years old and there was this feeling of this can’t go on forever. I’m chasing the wind. I’m never getting fulfilled. There has to be something in Christian faith because my grandfather and great grandfather were believers, and they were pastors. There has to be something! I’m going to give it a chance and what do I have to lose, nothing!” – Mike Wiant
This week on the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Mike Wiant. From living life without purpose and chasing a life that left him empty to feeling God drawing him into something more, Mike’s story is an incredible example of how God can use us, no matter our backgrounds, to make an impact in people’s lives and show them the love of God.
If Mike’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“Jeff sometimes has those tag lines at the bottom of the notes. This one was ‘total surrender equals total freedom.’ That is a huge statement because I always had an internal storm, and if anybody would have ever asked me what do you want? I want peace and freedom from the internal restlessness.” – Tim Perdion
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the redemptive story of Tim Perdion! From living life to escape the wounds of the past to finding a home in the arms of Jesus, Tim’s story is a unique and beautiful example of how our wounds and struggles can be healed and overcome through the power of Jesus!
If Tim’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“When I look at the gifts God gave me and the opportunities He has given me, there is a fork in the road of do I use these for my own comfort, my own success, or my own fame, or do I use these gifts so that they were not given in vain.” – Eric Bosshard
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the dynamic story of Eric Bosshard! From his experience in the business world to his time leading in the church, Eric shares his perspective and focus on God’s grace and how what we do while on Earth has eternal impact.
If Eric’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“I try to have my faith be the filter through which I do everything. So, if it’s my marriage, if it’s the workplace, a family party, or family relationships, I try not to just have faith on Sunday mornings…It’s really just living out the calling God has for us to be salt and be light. ” – Chris Winkelmann
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Chris Winkelmann! From growing up in the church and then leaving, to coming back because of a dodgeball tournament, Chris’ story is an incredible example of how God can use those around us to bring us closer to himself and also use us to impact others in ways we never saw coming.
If Chris’ story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“If you had a movie title to describe your life, what would it be?…Mine would be The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly because all of us have lives that are a combination of those things. Are you willing to admit the bad, lean into the good, and even look at some of the ugly at times that’s in your life? Humble yourself and allow God to bring about healing in your life and bring a redemptive purpose for your life.” – Michael Mancari
On this week’s episode of the Grace Unscripted Podcast, we get to hear the incredible story of Michael Mancari. Michael shares with us his story of redemption and God’s grace and how he was able to turn to God in his darkest moments.
If Michael’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6
“For the first time in my whole life, I looked at myself and self-reflected. I am looking at all these kids, ‘yes, Jesus is the best thing ever. Yes, this is what life is about. Yes, you can have joy and all of this stuff.’ But I don’t have this. I have heard all of the things, but I don’t know all of the things…I could just feel that something happened in this week. Life is not going to be the same anymore and it can’t be.” – Dan Kilker
This week on the Grace Unscripted podcast, we dive into the “crazy” story of Dan Kilker. From chasing the approval of his peers and living to be accepted by those around him to finding love and belonging in the arms of Jesus, Dan’s story is testament to how much the gospel can radically change your life!
If Dan’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org! We are also excited to let you know that we have a Grace Unscripted worship playlist made up of each guest’s favorite worship song, or songs! You can check the playlist out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xkOay7mU9SDKbeiRYfNCm?si=2928f6ecc26b47a6. If you are interested in checking out the video of Reckless Love by Cory Asbury that Dan mentions in this episode, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/6xx0d3R2LoU?si=Xu4HoSuwSMVPnL3l
“Open up your heart. Jesus is knocking and when you look back across your life, you will see that He has been standing next to every step of the journey in the highs and the lows.” – Stacy Dutt
On this week’s episode of Grace Unscripted, we get to hear the powerful story of Stacy Dutt. Stacy’s story is an amazing example how faithful God is in both the highs and lows and a reminder that whether or not we are seeking Him, He is always pursuing us!
If Stacy’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org!
“It has recently really repositioned me to see that God still has good plans. He is not finished with me yet if I still have breath in my lungs. He is still working, and He’s not done.” – Madds Higgins
This week on Grace Unscripted, we get to hear the story of Madds Higgins! From growing up around the church to fully diving into pursuing God and what he has planned for her, Madds’ story is a beautiful testament to how God can redeem our past and use it for his good while also empowering us to help other people on their journeys as well!
If Madds’ story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org!
“I’m not that person that I used to be. I’m not this person that is still struggling with this daily sin. I am God’s child. He loves me. He loved me during the parties. He loved me my whole life. He loved me when I was sinning. When I will sin, He will still love me.” – Jack Latkovic
On this week’s episode of Grace Unscripted, we dive deep into the story of Jack Latkovic! From chasing after an identity in sports, popularity, and partying to finding his identity in Jesus, Jack’s journey is a beautiful representation of God’s never-ending love and how he pursues us even when we are lost.
If Jack’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org!
“I feel like God gives us these trials to use for His purpose. If I’m not sharing my story. If I’m not ministering to someone. If I’m not relating myself. I understand mental illness. I get it. I lived through it. I hate it. I hate it, but who else is going to listen?” – Amy Kubbins
On this week’s episode of Grace Unscripted, we get to hear the powerful story of Amy Kubbins! Through trauma and heartbreak, Amy’s story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and an amazing example of how He places people around us in our darkest moments.
If Amy’s story has resonated with you or you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at Unscripted@graceohio.org!
“There are hundreds…thousands of people out there who are good at hiding in the corner. Jesus has convicted every single one of us that those are people that we need to reach as well. I think it is really easy to fly under the radar for a very long time and the craziness for probably most people who are listening to this is that you’ll encounter hundreds of people in a day possibly…Constantly my brain is thinking about how many people can fly under the radar in a day…Seek the people who are hiding in the corner.” – Steven Gamauf
On this week’s episode of Unscripted, we get to hear the transformational story of Steven Gamauf. From feeling disconnected and living life hiding in the corner, to now seeking out those same people every day, Steven’s story is an amazing testament to how little actions can have a big impact!
“Something I noticed looking back, was that my faith wasn’t in Jesus. It was in the people that surrounded Jesus. That was a very unstable ground, obviously. In those times of really struggling with my family, and this relationship I had as a teenager, I didn’t have a stable foundation because I didn’t know Jesus. I just knew the people around Him. I collected information about Jesus. I didn’t really pray as a way to have a relationship with Him. I prayed as a way to get more information on Him and fill Him in on what is happening. It wasn’t’ a listening. It was a telling.” – Lynnie Carden
This week on Unscripted we get to hear the amazing story of Lynnie Carden. From growing up not knowing who Jesus is, to discovering him at camp, we get to hear Lynnie’s story of learning what putting your faith fully in Jesus looks like.
“…being able to be there for them and saying to them up front, you’re going to have challenges that you can’t even imagine, but God…so let’s place Him at the beginning. Let’s place Him in the center and invite Him in, to this marriage, to this relationship, to the raising of these kids, while teaching our kids to pray.” – Terri Doherty
On this week’s episode of Unscripted, we get to hear the incredible story of Terri Doherty. Terri’s story is an amazing example of the power of prayer, faith, and dependence on the Lord in even the most difficult moments and even when it’s hard to see how He is working.
“I remember talking to a mentor of mine right after I finished my second year of college. I was like, I really don’t want to do this whole accounting thing. I feel called to be here right now. It’s really hard to focus on debits and credits when life change is happening…I’m still pretty young in my faith, but I’ve realized in this time as a Christian that whatever my one-year, three-year, five-year plan is God’s going to blow it up.” – Vinnie Lobello
This week on Unscripted, we dive into the story of Vinnie Lobello. We get to hear how he went from running from hell and chasing the world, to running to Jesus and chasing after other young adults who don’t know Him yet!
“I kind of realized that my competitive drive is sort of in things that don’t matter all that much. I think God was able to get ahold of my heart and channel it towards anything that matters. You know what, you can actually be an athlete. You can actually be competitive, and you can use all of the things that an athlete might prepare themselves for in competition or in a sport to be the very best they can be…For me, I’ve tried to take that spirit in my job and be like I might not be on the front lines because of my job description. I might not be able to be personally fulfilled by coaching all the teams, or being the counselor for all of the camps, or having that direct impact with the participant or the athlete, but I can take something like the Grace Race, that raises money for starving children, and I can take all of that competitive drive and say you know what, I think that this is something that would bring a smile to God’s face…I think that there is a lot of room to take all of the sports and athletic energy and stuff that I love but translate it to things that really matter for the gospel.” – Donny Varney
On this week’s episode of Unscripted, we get to hear the incredible story of Pastor Donny Varney. Hear how the role models who stepped up along the way helped shaped Donny into the man he is today and how he has been able to use his passion for sports to reach others for the gospel!
“It was probably the angriest I have been at God and also the closest. It’s like I have nothing else but faith at this point. Everything that we built, everything that I built, everything I thought I was doing was just done.” – Nate Rayl
This week on Unscripted, we get to hear the amazing story of Pastor Nate Rayl. From Ohio country kid to the wilds of Russia and New York, Nate’s story is an incredible example of God’s guidance and faithfulness even in the moments when we don’t know what is going to happen next!
“I learned about this God who loved me and who sent his son to die for me. I saw that tangible expression of who Jesus was all throughout my freshman year while being at YoungLife and being involved in that community and going to camp. It was displayed in a way that I understood, not fully knowing what Jesus looked like, but knowing that I wanted that instead of what I was doing before.” – Matt Hennessey
On today’s episode of Unscripted, we dive into the story of Matt Hennessey. We get to hear how faith in Matt’s life has come full circle and how he now gets to lead and impact highschoolers in the same way that he first tangibly experienced Jesus!
“Early on, I realized why God had me in the development field. Most of the people at the time were not followers. It became really apparent that God had me around these people because he loved them enough to share his love with them through me. I don’t feel in any way shape or form adequate to be that guy on the front lines, but I could tell that is where God had me.”
On this week’s episode of Unscripted, we get to hear the amazing story of Josh Snyder! Through all the ups and downs of life, he was searching for not only relationships, but purpose as well. As we listen to his story, we get to hear how he ultimately found both through a relationship with Jesus and has since found a passion for giving the gospel away to others!
“If you are seeking identity in people or your career, those things are going to let you down, but the Lord never does. He never lets you down. He is constantly pursuing and loving you.” – Jeri Ball
This week’s Unscripted conversation dives deep into the story of Jeri Ball. Hear how she went from finding her identity in the world around her, to experiencing the love of God, finding her identity in him, and now leading other women to do the same!
“When I have no control, I can count on and hold onto Jesus and the fact that he is in control and knows what he is doing. He has my best interest in mind. Even if I have nobody, I have him.”
This week’s Unscripted conversation jumps into the story of one of Grace’s Student Ministry Interns, Jocelynn Olminsky. Hear how the experiences of her childhood and teenage years, along with the example set by her older sister, led her to latch onto Jesus and inspired her to pursue a life in ministry and mentor students at Grace Church.
“I fell in love with working with teenagers…they have zeal and when they grab ahold of something they will run through a wall. That’s why I am more excited about teenagers today than I have ever been. They have so much fire inside them and when they really believe it and when they get ahold of following Jesus, it changes their whole destiny. When you think about the decisions their making from 13-18, the change in life that happens. They go from holding stuffed animals to some joining the military and holding weapons in a five-year span. Just think, if you can get them excited about Jesus and put their identity in him…”
He never thought he would be a pastor or living in Ohio. This week’s Unscripted conversation dives into the story of Grace’s Family Ministry Pastor, Brad Deetscreek. Hear how Brad went from catching crawfish in the streams of western Pennsylvania, to eventually ending up a pastor in Northeast Ohio with a passion for helping teenagers know Jesus.
“God loved me so deeply to save my depraved heart unconditionally. I had a good sense of hope that it was going to be ok. Sometimes we’ll take the biological part really far or the spiritual part really far. Nate was really good about reminding me that while you are learning all these things that […]
“I don’t want a relationship with God just because I don’t want to go to hell. I want a relationship with God because I want to know this man. He is my father. I love him so much. He loves me so much. It fills all those voids and answers all those questions that people, […]
“When I first came to Grace, I said and I meant, ‘I hate people.’ And my shift is so opposite of that now; it is an absolute upside down kingdom. It’s an answer to prayer because I literally prayed for months for God to show me people the way He saw them, not the way I saw them. I know my heart and where it leads me. So it has been abandon. God, you tell me where I am going, and I am right behind you.” – Bob Ball
Today’s guest, Bob Ball, used to take pride in being a man’s man. Now, through the heart change that he experience through Jesus, He is a God’s man and is humbly leading the men around him toward Christ, too. We hope you enjoy this episode which is full of miracles and stuff only God can do.
“For the very first time in my life I saw God not as the wagging finger or the fist about to pound me. I saw the hand reaching out to rescue me and save me. Still to this day when someone asks, ‘What is God to you?’ I say, ‘He is the God of the outstretched hand.’ He was reaching down because he was choosing me. I felt chosen. I felt loved. And that was life change for me.” – Jason Catlett
That is what love is and that is what Jason experienced when he gave his life to Jesus. Listen to today’s episode of Grace Unscripted to hear how he got to this moment and how his life was changed from this moment on! If Jason’s story impacts you and you would like to talk with someone about it, please reach out to bath@graceohio.org. We would love to connect with you!
“I am super excited for Feed My Starving Children this year. I think it’s ironic that I started volunteering with that in the middle of struggling with anorexia. Since then I’ve been part of it every year. One year, our slogan on the t-shirt was ‘Hope Starts With Food.’ It just hit me- that’s my story. Hope starts with being physically fed, and as I was physically fed I became spiritually fed as well.”
This brave, vulnerable, and beautiful story from Melissa Schmitz is a beautiful picture of God’s faithfulness, healing, and hope. If you relate to this story and would like to talk to someone at Grace or to Melissa, please email us at Bath@graceohio.org
“I’m a product of everything this organization has done. I’m convinced that God has used all these ministries that I’ve been a part of, both as a student and as a youth pastor. Now it’s incredible to see the impact that these ministries have, to get to lead the organization, and help churches see the value in what this adds. I love being able to put wind into people’s sails and help them reach their maximum impact for what God wants to do through the local church.” -Eric Miller
In todays episode, we hear the journey of how Eric Miller went from being a student of Momentum Ministry Partners (formerly CE National) to now being Executive Director of Ministry.
“I have the abilities God has given me… I can read the bible. I can memorize. I can study. I can pray. I can love. I can reach out to people and not always wait for them to reach out to me. It is common in the disability community to collapse inward and to not reach out because they might not reach back. I never got that memo.” -Shanda Gobeli
“It’s not hard to have a day camp. To have a quality day camp centered on the gospel – that’s hard. And it’s only able to be centered on the gospel if you have enough volunteers to take care of the absolute essentials and even more to double down on the gospel.
The thing I’m most excited about is how we can use sports with kids, high school, and college to develop leaders who then train the next kids who jump into middle school then high school and then college and to make that cycle healthy and the best it con be.” -Isaac Bogue
He didn’t plan on working towards being a pastor, or working at his dad’s church when he grew up, but as he followed God’s call, that’s exactly where he found himself. And our church family and community are blessed by Isaac’s (and Barry Basketball’s) energy, commitment, and impact.
“When we found ourselves desperate to save our family, it just felt natural to turn to church. We needed community, we didn’t know that then, but I know now that’s what we needed.
Community was everything we didn’t know we needed when our marriage was all but dead. And it became everything that we needed to be who we are today.” -Leigh Ann Hradil
“Success really drove me. Then in my mid- 30’s I came to Grace and I started committing my life to Christ and I thought, ‘Huh, which master am I going to serve?’… My life priorities were shifting because I knew the Lord, but I came to love him and be defined by Him.” -Ray Dunkle
What is the God Dream of Sports Ministry at Grace? Mark Stellar, the new Director of Sports Ministry Integration at Grace, tells us his own story and within it we see why and how connecting with our community through sports has an eternal impact.
Ministry bombs. Moving mid-pandemic. Marriage crisis. Miraculous redemption. “Now the biggest question that I’ve been asking God is, ‘How are we going to use this story?’” More hard questions and more giggles as we conclude episode 2 of 2 with Bethany Miller.
“In my junior year, I experienced my first bout of very serious depression… I can recall very clearly moments lying in bed as an angsty teenager going, ‘God I gave my life to you and this is what you gave me?’” -Bethany Miller
“I started to fall apart in middle school… I realized nobody actually cares. If this is what Christians are like I don’t want any part of it. My biggest fear is that happens to kids today in our own ministry.” -John Gressock
This week’s Unscripted conversation goes deep into the story of Grace’s Student Ministries Middle School Pastor, John. Hear how the desperation and loneliness he experienced as a teen now inspires him to show the love of Jesus to our current middle school students so they feel seen and known.
“I think I’m going to ask my neighbor if she wants to follow Jesus tomorrow.” -Sunni Gressock
If you want to hear the story of a woman who relentlessly pursues people for Jesus and be inspired to live boldly, too – don’t miss today’s Unscripted conversation!
“My brother-in-law just kept inviting me to go to church… I went in looking for anything and everything I could find wrong so that I would never ever go back to church… I realized how hard of a wall I had built up and God busted through that thing and I allowed myself to stand up and accept prayer… I was so happy that I finally saw Him again and I couldn’t stop crying… That was the moment where my faith and everything shifted and I felt called into ministry.” Bryan Hoffman
“After the funeral at the church we were married in… I stood at the same spot that we said our vows. I remember telling God,through a lot of tears, ‘I get it. Your Fathership trumps my husbandship… She is yours first and like her dad gave her away here, I am giving her away to you.’” -Paul Basone
Here is the Unscripted story of Paul’s journey through the privilege and pain of losing his wife and how God has used it in ways he never could have asked or imagined.
“When you take a minute to look back at God’s faithfulness, I think that is where rest comes, and confidence comes, and peace in the Lord’s plan for your life.” – Zoe Jamison
Between grief and healing, anger and joy, singleness and marriage, Zoe shares the highs and lows in her story on the next episode of grace unscripted.
Jodi and Rodney Matthews are founders and directors of Urban Vision. Urban Vision is a major ministry partner of Grace Church that focuses its efforts on the people of the North Hill and Elizabeth Park neighborhoods of Akron.
Joe Tucker is the Executive Director of South Street Ministries. South Street Ministries focuses on renewing community for the sake of Jesus in parts of Akron.
After many years on staff at Moody Bible Institute, Richard Fisher served Grace Church for seven years as the head pastor of adult education. He is a brilliant Biblical mind and a joy to be around. He is now retired and living with his family in Warner Robbins, Georgia. I so enjoyed learning from him […]
After many years on staff at Moody Bible Institute, Richard Fisher served Grace Church for seven years as the head pastor of adult education. He is a brilliant Biblical mind and a joy to be around. He is now retired and living with his family in Warner Robbins, Georgia.
Sarah Huth leads Gather (Formerly known as Mom’s Matter), which is a safe place for women to find Gospel teaching and community. She is also a wife and mother of a “super-blended family.”
Ezra is one of the most recognizable faces at Grace because he leads worship at the weekend services. While music has always been an important part of his life, there is much more to Ezra than just a guitar and microphone.
Chris Kessick is the Regional Director of Young Life North Coast Region. Young Life is a para-church organization focused on introducing adolescents to Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. Young Life has an active presence in several schools in the Greater Akron Area.
Jesse Dolan is a small group leader at Grace. Hear him describe how he and his wife have intentionally chosen to focus their time and energy on family and making Christ the center of their home.
Liz Miller is a pretty recognizable face at Grace. She can be seen on stage singing with the band, and hosting the Weekend Extra. Liz is also a single mother of four who survived the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband Ricky. Listen as she tells us how Jesus and the Church gave her […]
Todd Shoemaker is the head pastor of Student Ministries at Grace. He took the time to share how his life brought him to Akron, and what he envisions for the teenagers of Grace Church.
Angel Dague is on staff with RAHAB Ministries. RAHAB serves the women of Akron, Ohio who are enslaved by trafficking by putting truth and love into action. Grace Church has been an active supporter of RAHAB Ministries for many years. Angel met Jesus through the efforts of Becky Moreland (RAHAB Ministries Founder), and now Angel […]
Josiah Bogue is a student in the Grace Bible College extension and an intern in the Collective Ministry. Through the years, he has also grown into a bigger role on stage, and now he frequently helps lead music at the Bath Campus.
Paul Vespoli is an active member of Grace Church who serves in many capacities, including men’s ministry, Bible teaching, and our service efforts to Haiti. Hear Paul discuss God’s never-tiring patience and love as he helped pull him through the struggles of life, and into a life of new found hope and purpose.
Welcome to Episode 1 of Grace Unscripted. My guest today is Lori Rodeman. Lori offered her perspective of what life looks like as a wife, mother, daughter and friend as she seeks to love Jesus and others.
Grace Unscripted is a new podcast from Grace Church. Each episode we will sit down and talk to someone who is part of or connected to our church. We’ll dive into their stories and how God is uniquely using them.